Bee BLOG

I have been quiet on my blog as I was busy with interesting work projects, a vacation in Guadeloupe (made a video of course) and other important life events as well. And as I write this on my balcony, a loud pounding sound is slicing through my every thought. Summer is upon us and monster construction has awoken yet again. The hammering of heavy machinery at ungodly hours, the dust that accumulates and that I breathe on a daily basis and not to mention complexity of getting around town, even as a pedestrian. As a Montrealer having lived in the city for ten years, I can take my fair share of noise, chaos and nonsense. Like any other urban person, sirens and crowds are part of the daily hustle. This year though, something has changed.

​It has come to a point where everywhere I look, there’s an orange sign that says « RUE BARRÉE », everywhere I walk, there’s an orange sign that says « DÉTOUR », every day, there’s an additional set of scaffolding that spreads out and makes me reroute yet again. Every day, there’s a clear sign in my head that my good old routine is hanging on by a thin thread.

While I know my city is undergoing overhauls for great real estate development while getting a major facelift, my tolerance for the mayhem and space limitations has reduced through time and what was once stimulating has become irritating. It no longer feels like I can grow the way I want to. No, I am not referring to having children, though that could also be problematic, rather, there’s no room to experience anything different. ​

If I want to play the piano or the drums, host a decent dinner with my family, not have to be a contortionist to grab a glass of wine or reach for the vacuum…or how about having my own front door? That could be cool.

Then I wondered.

Is it just the city that’s changed or could I be…no. Could it be? I, Ivana, the eternal city dweller, is ready to trade the city buzz for grass? What’s next, The Beatles suck?

It was inevitable, I had to face the toughest person out there: myself.​

​As with any change, heart to heart talks with your expert judgmental self are essential. Being a nostalgic soul and one who strives on the efficiency of routine, I knew far too well that moving would be difficult. When I first came to live in the city, I immediately fell in love with its vibe and pedestrian lifestyle. The never-ending flow of people charges my nervous system like nothing else. The festivals, artistic activities, beautiful building juxtapositions everywhere…I never imagined ten years would go by so fast. It truly does fly when you have a blast and I latched on tight.

That’s just it though, time is not stopping and while living in a lovely and modern condo in the city has been glorious, we have outgrown our shell a while ago now. It was never meant to be the “forever home” and life cannot just revolve around practicality.

I finally feel that a shift is necessary to experience something else. Something big. A place that feels like home, and we have finally found it! Though I'm super excited to take the plunge, I know this means making choices and saying good bye...Good bye to something that has been home for a decade now. But it's time. Time to let go of the past and welcome new traditions! ​

I will forever be a city dweller, that’s not going to change, and thankfully, I’ll be coming to town every day to get my fix ;)

Though I know it will take some time to adjust to my new suburban environment, it is one that I know well and am more than ready to be reacquainted with now! And while I am thrilled to jump forward, I can’t help but look back and wink at my Griffintown hood as I leave yet another piece of my heart and youth there.

Bee moving! x

In 2011 I had wanted to make a happy and fun video of the city life, showing what a night on the town with my girlfriends was like. I only got around to editing the footage this year, which is perfectly timed with my move. The universe has a good sense of humour ;)

Coffee, cookie & the bee!

Author

My name is Ivana. I love photography and meeting people. I hold a Master's in counselling psychology and work as a career consultant. Music is my fuel and an important source of energy in my life. I drive my vespa around the city and I love what I do! :) About this blog: me on my artistic soap box!